Spirit of Resilience in the Arctic Winter Games
The Arctic Winter Games have always stood as a testament to the spirit of resilience, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange amidst our icy landscape. In this upcoming week, as the torch lights up in our frozen backyard, athletes from across the circumpolar regions gather to compete in a myriad of winter sports, showcasing their prowess, determination and athletic skill. Yet, amidst the fierce competition and the quest for excellence, there’s a topic that’s been increasingly gaining attention in the world of sports: the potential role of cannabis for athletes.
Cannabis and Sport Recovery
Traditionally, cannabis has been stigmatized in athletic circles due to its association with recreational use and the strict anti-doping policies governing competitive sports. However, as scientific research advances and stigma changes, there’s a growing recognition of the potential benefits that cannabis can offer. Particularly in the realm of sports performance and recovery.
One of the primary areas where cannabis has shown potential is in pain management and inflammation reduction. For athletes participating in high-intensity winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice hockey, injuries and muscle soreness are extremely common. The cannabinoids found in cannabis, particularly CBD (cannabidiol), have been shown to possess analgesic properties, providing relief from pain without the psychoactive effects associated with
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Which is why at Green Jar we often have customers stopping in to ask about our CBD products and what could possibly work best for them. We carry products ranging in Northern Infusion scrubs, and rose oil tinctures. For athletes looking for a go to balm to add into their recovery bag we recommend Alaskan Rescue Balm manufactured by Cold Creek Extracts.
Cannabis has demonstrated potential as a natural alternative to traditional anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or aspirin. Chronic inflammation can hamper recovery and impede athletic performance, but CBD has been found to modulate inflammatory responses, potentially speeding up the healing process for athletes and allowing them to get back to training and competing sooner.
Potential of Cannabis to help with High-Pressure Competition
In addition to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, cannabis may also play a role in stress reduction and anxiety management, both of which are crucial for athletes preparing for high-pressure competitions like the Arctic Winter Games. The calming effects of certain cannabis strains can help athletes alleviate pre-game jitters and maintain focus during intense events, without the sedative effects of conventional anxiety medications.
It’s essential to emphasize that the use of cannabis in sports is a complex and nuanced issue. While research suggests potential benefits, there are also concerns regarding its impact on cognitive function, coordination, and overall athletic performance. Though cannabis is recreationally legal within our great state the regulatory landscape varies across the country, and world. Some sports organizations also maintain strict prohibitions on its use. Be sure to know your regulations with your organization before consuming.
Arcitc Winter Games Pushing the Boundaries of Human Achievement
At the Arctic Winter Games 2024, the conversation surrounding cannabis and its potential role in sports performance is likely to continue evolving. As athletes strive to push the boundaries of human achievement amidst the snow and ice of the Mat-su Valley, they may increasingly explore alternative methods for enhancing recovery, managing pain, and optimizing their performance. Whether cannabis emerges as a legitimate tool in the athlete’s arsenal or remains a topic of debate, one thing is certain: the pursuit of excellence in sports knows no bounds, and athletes will continue to seek out innovations that enable them to perform at their best.
We look forward to seeing all of the amazing athletes, volunteers and spectators this up coming week at the Arctic Winter Games March 10th-16th! Be sure to stop in to Green Jar Wasilla or stop into our new shop in Hatcher Pass on the way to Skeetawk for all of your Cannabis & CBD needs! With that being said, Green Jar refrains from making curative or therapeutic statements regarding cannabis, and we strongly advise conducting thorough research.